Cannondale
Gemini 2000
2003 Full Suspension

Product Description

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from New York

Date Reviewed: October 1, 2006

Strengths: This Bike is a beast, Ive put it through its tests and time and time again she holds up beautifully. She is light and corners great, very stable in the air. Ive droped over 20' and cleared over 40' with no problems at all.

Weaknesses: because of the type of travel you may need a diferent mounting bracket for a chain guide. the tires need to be upgraded to double ply, and i had problems with the 5th element 3 way rear shock, the problem was corrected with no problems but still a pain(I eventually upgraded to the 5 way 5th element)

Bottom Line:

This bike rules, she has gotten me through some sketchy situations and has helled up throuh some of the worst beatings ever. I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!

Weaknesses: Cane Creek headset cannot cope with larger than an 8 foot drop, difficult to find a good chain device to fit.

Bottom Line:

This bike is very good. Since I have bought the bike I have being more than pleased with its capabilities for downhill and freeride. The bike is very light and easy to throw about so jumps and north shore are no problem. Hopefully will get some shivers soon just to finish the bike off. If you want a cheap all round bike that can take big drops and can race well then this is for you.

Strengths: simplicity, do it all personallity, ability to follow your thoughts

Weaknesses: ?????????

Bottom Line:

nothing can compare with this bike. other brand make some really good bike but the gemini stand above and beyond, just jump on it and you feel at home, bike doesnt like to be serious at all, start pedaling and it will make sure you have a heck of fun. Am waiting for cannondale to send me a replacement full frame,even with a broken downtube and both sides of the rear swingarm still rode the rest of the drop back to the car 3 miles late. I'm a 42yr 200lbs rider, usually known for confusing my intentions with my abilities.so even after braking the frame in 1 yr of heavy use, still choose the gemini over anything else out there.

Strengths: The Rolls Royce of bikes! Great suspension system. I especially like the way you can lock out the rear suspension with just a flick of your thumb. Fully adjustable front suspension as you ride. Cool wheels and tyres. Looks wonderful and rides like a dream.

Weaknesses: None that I can see.

Bottom Line:

You want a great looking machine that sails over the rough ground and can stop on a knife edge? Then buy this bike. It is easy to ride but very versatile. It is classy enough to be used in downhill races, marathons and cross country competions or just for blasting around the hills at weekends. Expensive yes, but worth it.

Bike Setup: I've got the European Gemini 2000 Limited Edition model with 'Lefty' front unit, like the Scalpel. Didn't take me long to get used to it - about half and hour. I don't even notice that I'm only riding around with only one fork now!

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
Mimie Manahan
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA

Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003

Strengths: it's the best bike that i've got! i have tried a lot of different bikes but this is heaven sent! the ride is great and you won't feel rough on bumps

Strengths: (Review on 02' no 03') Has to be the wheel set. I weigh 220lbs and drop 6 ft to flat concrete and have never put air or trued the wheels once. Every component is great except --> (See weaknesses)

Weaknesses: The Fox RC is good for DH and trails but not for big hit drops. The Gemini's design also puts alot of extra force from the single pivot rather than a 4-bar system so it rougher on the shock. Blew the Fox w/ a 800lb spring. Seat rails bent and thats it.

Bottom Line:

I have broken any toy I have ever had since I was a kid. I play hard and am rough on $hit. This is bomb-proof as far as bikes go. Again, I weigh 220lbs and drop 6+ to flat concrete and have NEVER put air in my tires or trued a wheel. The Bullit got the 'Freeride Bike of the Year'; this is a better bike minus the 5th that comes stock on the Bullit. BUY THIS BIKE IF YOUR IN THE MARKET!!!!!!

Strengths: This bike is the sh#t! the ride is great, the component spec couldn't be better, the DeeMax rims are a god sent, and the Super T is amazing! 2 words - Bling Bling!!!

Weaknesses: As if! well i suppose Cannondale could've put the package together with a set of platforms, but that's not a big issue! Oh wait! what the heck is with that "Real Tree" paint job! The only ppl that would buy that would be hunters, perhaps so they can ride thier bikes while they hunt?!?!

Bottom Line:

As you can see I've tried a heck of a lot of bikes, couldn't decide between All Mountain or Free ride. When it came down to riding these bikes, the Gemini 2000 was a cut above the rest. With slight pedal bob, it rides like it should, it feels like your rolling down the trail in a "pimped out" Escalade. The parts spec on this bike is incredible, for the money you definetly can't beat it. This bike is a total confidence builder, I can't wait to buy this sweet a$$ machine, I went into my LBS set on purchasing the Kona Stinky Dee-Lux, but once i hopped onto the Gemini, nothing could compare. the Specialized Big Hit Expert was actually a wicked riding bike, but with its 8" travel and my 200+ pound frame, it was too plush for me. I made the mistake of going to Kicking Horse on my hard tail last year, but I'm gonna be back with avengance this time around!!

Look out Rocky Mountains!! cause on the Gemini, it's my turn to kcik some a$$!!!!

Weaknesses: No room for MRP, i had to cut my boomerang in order for it to fit. XT cranks are good but Cro-Mo is better :P Bent rails on seat 1st ride... Love Seat took care of that.

Bottom Line:

If you are against Cannondale, or Crack-and-Fail, or Fashion-Dale... whatever you want to call it, ride this bike and your mind will be changed. Awsome plush bike that can handle 15 footers with ease outta the box.

Strengths: This bike is a hell of a perfect freerider. The frame is very ridgid and the components are very carefully chosen. Hayes 8' brakes do the trick on every trail and at any speed. The Super T is soft and not too heavy and with the through axle it's stiff enuff for bigger drops. With the damper in its 170mm position the bike can go nearly any downhill at any speed. It seems a little bit nervous on highspeed but this is nearly not worth mentioning. I like that bike so much that I won't stop riding it. If you go for Hardcore Freeriding - go for the Gemini 2000.

Weaknesses: First I would change the tires: The Vertical Pro's are a bit underdimensioned for a bike like this. The saddle is a bit soft. Take the Azonic Love Seat and you'll feel a lot more comfortable. What seems a bit strange, is that at the moment, Cannondale runs a huge recall regarding the frame. So check out your local dealer who is checking the frame.

Bottom Line:

I am really in love with the bike !!! It rocks and never lets you down. Cannondale has done a tremendous job in developing this toy. It drops, rocks, rips, and makes fun, fun, fun and it's not too heavy even for touring & crusing.